Russell Moore

Trees on Former Maintenance Site Reduce Runoff and Improve View

When Russell Moore's parents built their home on Soldotna Creek, he says you could look over the water and see vegetation except at the Department of Transportation maintenance yard where the trees were gone.

In 2013, the Soldotna Parks and Recreation Department undertook a transformation project at the site to enlarge Soldotna Creek Park, a recreational area on the Kenai River. With a grant from the U.S. Forest Service administered by the Alaska Division of Forestry, trees were planted with the intent of the site serving as a large rain garden, reducing surface water runoff into the adjoining waterways.

When Russell heard of the project, he was excited and jumped into the project to personally participate. Russell and community members are thrilled with the results. "I can now see the trees from across the river. They are going to grow, and as they mature, they will have the presence the community will enjoy when they visit the park. For those who live across the river, the trees will help enhance their view to the other side." He adds, "I feel good to have been a part of the park's renovation and to know that people beyond us will be able to enjoy it."

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